Wine Hotels in McLaren Vale

Around 40 minutes' drive south of Adelaide — South Australia's state capital — lies beautiful McLaren Vale. Set between the Mount Lofty Ranges and the Sellicks Ranges, this verdant region is famed for its fabulous wine. The Mediterranean-style climate allows the area to grow a wide variety of grapes, from Shiraz, Merlot and Grenache to Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier. The beauty of the region’s proximity to Adelaide means that it's the perfect destination for a weekend away from the city. Our pick of the best wine hotels in McLaren Vale covers most bases from luxurious, romantic properties to family friendly B&Bs.

For Romantic Luxury

• Hotel California Road at Inkwell Wines is made up of three spacious contemporary suites, each with dazzling vineyard views. Set above the vineyard's tasting room, spaces have big bathtubs, private balconies and all the mod-cons. A very cool vineyard hideaway for wine lovers and romantics.
• Beresford Estate has gorgeous rooms and suites overlooking verdant vineyards. Chic interiors are clad in cream tones, with freestanding baths and big cosy beds. An impressive, adults-only retreat and events venue. Brilliant for intimate weddings.
• Old Chaff Mill Retreat is a restored 19th-century mill with two indulgent suites. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic vineyard vistas and sink-into tubs. With 80 cellar doors within a 25 minute drive, fans of great South Australian wine will be spoilt for choice when it comes to tours and tastings.

For Families or Groups

• The Farm Willunga sits amidst 15 acres of vineyards and olive groves. Self-catering apartments are great for families or groups, and there's stacks of space for walks and cycles on the farm and beyond. Perfect for seeing both the McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula.
• Bella Cosa Bed & Breakfast offers three houses with kitchens, sitting rooms and private decks on the edge of a four acre pine forest. The two-bedroom Cottage — previously home to artist Peter Maddox — is great for families or small groups of friends. Book all three cottages for a big group trip.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in South Australia.
• Alternatively, check out our list of the best wine hotels in the Barossa Valley.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

  • Hotel California Road at Inkwell Wines Tatachilla, South Australia 3 rooms from AU$329

    
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    Eco break  -  A winery with an eco focus, regeneratively farming 12 hectares of organically certified grapes & aiming to be carbon negative

    Wine tasting  -  Savour superb wine tastings at the vineyard itself, or explore the many wineries of the acclaimed McLaren Vale

    Romantic Break  -  A romantic adults-only escape with generous suites on a working vineyard, perfect for a wine country weekend

    Architectural  -  An unusual two-storey building made from 20 recycled shipping containers

    

    Three superb suites in an unusual building made of stacked upcycled shipping containers. Above the vineyard's wine tasting room, spacious suites have light-filled contemporary interiors, private balconies & big bathtubs facing floor-to-ceiling windows. A hip hideaway for wine lovers in McLaren Vale. See More

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  • Beresford Estate McLaren Flat, South Australia 17 rooms from AU$378

    
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    Romantic Break  -  The Shiraz Villa and Grand Reesrve Suites offer a luxurious, adults only escape, ideal for romantic couples

    Wine tasting  -  Gather in groups of up to 12 for a private wine tastings at the slick Beresford Tasting Pavilion

    Weddings  -  A gorgeous venue for intimate vineyard weddings, complete with fabulous wine & sumptuous suites

    Great walks  -  Enjoy scenic strolls through the Manning Fauna & Flora Reserve or hiking the Onkaparinga River National Park or Onkeeta Trail

    

    Seriously impressive luxury suites and villas on a working winery in the acclaimed McLaren Vale. Expect chic contemporary interiors clad in cream tones with vineyard views, enormous bathtubs and all the mod-cons. Adults-only, this is a magical SA wine country hideaway with stacks of style. See More

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  • The Old Chaff Mill Retreat Sellicks Hill, South Australia 2 rooms from AU$573

    
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    Groups  -  The Millery sleeps up to four guests — perfect for small groups of friends, who can also spill over into The Granary

    Local markets  -  Pick up fabulous fresh produce at the popular Willunga Farmer's Market, voted the best in the Southern Hemisphere

    Romantic Break  -  Hide away in The Granary, with gorgeous views and a particularly indulgent freestanding bathtub for long soaks

    Wine tasting  -  With 80 cellar doors within a 25 minute drive, this is a superb destination for keen wine aficionados

    

    A restored 19th-century mill in the heart of McLaren Vale. There are two totally private, luxury suites, complete with sink-into tubs (one outdoor), modern kitchens and living rooms and marvellous views of the property's organic vineyards. 80+ cellar doors await. An intimate wine country hideaway. See More

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  • The Farm Willunga Willunga, South Australia 5 rooms from AU$289

    
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    Families  -  The apartments — Olive Branch & A Vine Romance — can sleep up to 4 guests, perfect for self-catering trips with little ones

    Cycling  -  The team can arrange bicycle hire, so that you can wind your way through the rolling countryside on two wheels

    Local exploring  -  Relaxed rooms & apartments on a 15 acre farm offer a brilliant opportunity to unwind & explore independently

    Local markets  -  The bustling Saturday morning farmers' market in Willunga is not to be missed

    

    A handful of rooms and self-catering apartments set in 15 acres of striking vineyards and olive groves on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Comfortable interiors encourage guests to unwind, soaking up views of the gardens from shaded terraces. The farm's fresh produce and superb Shiraz are a real treat! See More

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  • Bella Cosa Bed & Breakfast McLaren Flat, South Australia 3 rooms from AU$304

    
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    Local exploring  -  45 minutes from Adelaide and in the heart of the McLaren Vale wine country, this is a top spot for keen foodies & explorers

    Wine tasting  -  Wine aficionados will adore the abundance of nearby cellar doors for tastings — speak to Mel & Craig for recommendations

    Families  -  Book the two-bedroom Cottage for a relaxed getaway with family, or all three hideaways for a larger trip with friends

    Great walks  -  Follow the sculpture trail through the property's 4-acre pine forest to admire work by local artists

    

    Three charming cottages on the edge of a four-acre pine forest in food & wine hotspot McLaren Vale. A pretty, family-owned collection of hideaways with chic, inviting interiors & plenty of characterful touches. The surrounding sculpture trail is a highlight & our favourite cottage has its own pool. See More

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Written by Helen Pickles

posted Wednesday, 3rd January 2024